The Man Who Sponsored Earnhardt and Brought Ronald Reagan To NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with a legendary figure behind the scenes of motorsports, longtime car owner and sponsor, Mike Curb. After falling in love with motorsports at an early age through the magazine pages of Motor Trend and National Speed Sport News, Mike made the acquaintance of race promoter Cary Agajanian at an early age and began taking in races at the famed Ascot Park. Mike pursued an interest in music and when a song he wrote became a jingle for Honda, he dropped out of college and pursued commercial soundtracking full-time. Mike simultaneously developed a recording company, Sidewalk Records, and a career in politics at the suggestion of Ronald Reagan, but his love for auto racing remained tried and true. He entered business with Agajanian owning local sprint cars, and the Curb-Agajanian Performance Group was born. Mike’s entry into involvement in NASCAR is a fascinating tale that stems from longtime NASCAR executive Les Richter serving as a chairman on his campaign for Lieutenant Governor of California. At Les’ request, Mike and his wife attended the 1980 Cup season opener at Riverside International Raceway as Grand Marshall and it was there that he was propositioned with the idea of becoming one of the first-ever sponsors for Dale Earnhardt. Mike also explains the events that led to Curb Racing fielding a car for Richard Petty in 1984 and how the famed picture of Ronald Reagan landing at the Daytona came to be. The interview covers Mike’s vast involvement in racing today, which includes co-ownership of 2024 NASCAR Truck championship winner Ty Majeski, his relationship with Ronald Reagan, and his career in the music industry. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mike Curb and His Legacy 02:18 The Journey of Curb Records 06:33 From Jingles to Film Scores 12:41 The Intersection of Music and Motorsports 18:50 Early Influences and Passion for Racing 25:00 Involvement in Dale Earnhardt's Career 31:42 Political Career and Connection to Ronald Reagan 38:22 Political Journey and California Politics 41:43 Acting Governor and Responsibilities 43:12 Transition to Washington and Reagan's Influence 46:40 Reagan's Presidency and Personal Insights 50:01 The Intersection of Politics and Motorsports 58:46 Richard Petty and Team Dynamics 01:01:36 Dale Earnhardt's Career Decisions 01:07:17 Bringing Teams Together for Success 01:12:07 Reagan at Daytona: A Historic Moment 01:16:59 A Memorable Encounter with Ronald Reagan 01:19:53 Building Legacies: Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt 01:22:18 Opportunities and Miracles in Life 01:26:32 The Drive to Keep Going 01:30:48 The Discovery of Music and Talent 01:41:14 The Importance of Partnerships 01:43:38 Reflections on a Fascinating Life Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook:   / dirtymomedia   Twitter:   / dirtymomedia   Instagram:   / dirtymomedia   TikTok:   / dirtymomedia_   All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com